Danny Shannon: The Road to Redemption (Part 2) | Sharing Stories Changing Lives
In the gripping continuation of our interview with Danny Shannon, witness the extraordinary journey from ruin to redemption as he defies the odds, emerging from the shadows of addiction and self-destruction.
Dive Deeper: The Full Conversation with Danny Shannon
The Core Story
Part 2 unveils Danny's remarkable transformation, breaking free from the vicious cycle of rehab and unveiling the inspiring narrative of resilience. Explore how Danny, against all odds, crafts a purposeful life, dedicating himself to helping others navigate their own struggles. Learn about the genesis of his groundbreaking venture, Encapsulator, a symbol of triumph over adversity and a testament to the unwavering strength that can be found in building a life truly worth living. Join us on this profound voyage of self-discovery, hope, and the relentless pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.
Full Episode Transcript
I would like to acknowledge the Guringai people and pay my respects to the Elders, both past and present. The Guringai people are the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with addiction or is experiencing a mental health crisis, call Lifeline’s 24-hour support service on 13 11 14. If you’re overseas, please contact the relevant support network in your location.
Karen:
Welcome to part two of Danny Shannon’s story.
If you’ve listened to part one, you’ll know that Danny escaped from one of Sydney’s biggest jails, Silverwater Prison, and spent six weeks on the run before finally being caught in Western Australia.
Today, Danny shares how he escaped the clutches of addiction and incarceration to build his business — a video journaling tool called Encapsulator — and how he’s now empowering others to become the best version of themselves.
Welcome to Sharing Stories, Changing Lives. I’m your host, Karen Sander. I have the privilege of interviewing individuals from all walks of life, each with their own powerful and inspiring stories. Our guests share their life experiences and in doing so, they celebrate the transformative magic of storytelling.
To learn more, visit www.storyroomglobal.com and explore the private membership area, The Backstage Pass.
Danny, you do some phenomenal work these days, influencing people who are trying to make a change in their lives.
You are the founder and administrator of Encapsulator, and you’ve taken on the role of an amazing human being giving back to society after a pretty broken life — you’re empowering so many others.
How did you come up with the idea of Encapsulator — and what is it?
Danny:
Karen, thank you so much for having me back.
I just want to say first of all, this is what I do today: I share my stories around the social and emotional impacts that addiction has had on me, my loved ones, and anyone connected to me.
On that journey, I’ve been really lucky — through social media, podcasts, television, radio, newspapers, and magazines — to build a bit of a network. The amount of messages I get daily from people I’ve never met… it spins me out. Some of them have been watching me for 12 months before they even say hello.
People write and say, “Danny, I’ve been doing it. I’ve been following your stuff.” I feel so, so blessed to be in a position where I’m constantly surrounded by beautiful words from people. If I ever want to have a whinge, I just need to look at my messages and say, “Shut up, Danny.”
To answer your question… I was about six years clean when Encapsulator was born.
I’m the founder of a very cool, innovative video journaling app called Encapsulator. At around six years clean, I was celebrating that milestone, full of gratitude, reflecting on my journey, big smile on my face. And I thought to myself:
“I wonder what it was like when I first entered recovery?
What was I thinking? How was I feeling?”
I had this idea — a concept that has genuinely changed my life.
I thought: What if I record a video to my future self for my 10-year clean birthday?
Now, in recovery we often say it’s a one day at a time program — just for today. And here I was thinking four years ahead, talking to my future self. Very ambitious.
Also, in recovery, it’s really important to set goals. And I always say: dream big. You can see it behind me on my wall — “Dream Big” — because we really can do anything.
That day, I did a bit of research on some questions I might answer on video. Back then, I didn’t talk to camera like I do today. I came up with a list of about 12 questions, had them in front of me, turned the camera on… and started answering.
Immediately, I noticed this beautiful, unique, therapeutic process.
It was me talking to my future self. It felt weird. It felt powerful. It felt really therapeutic.
As I went through the questions, I started getting emotional. I thought about my son, my mum, my dad. I thought:
“I hope they’re okay. I hope I’m okay.”
Recovery is a deadly field. I’d lost around 100 people by then — heroin overdoses, suicides, alcohol-related deaths. I knew I’d be blessed if I was still around at ten years clean.
I also noticed I was saying things I’d never said out loud before — because no one was judging me. It was just me, talking honestly to me. I could be ambitious, scared, hopeful — all of it.
When I finished, I thought:
“This would be an amazing tool for other people — to document, track and reflect on their own journey of personal development and recovery.”
A little while later, in 2017, I went on an incredible holiday to America. I hired an RV and drove from LA to New York, via 18 different states. I even went to Florida and caught a boat to Jamaica and Mexico.
Along the way I went to a lot of Narcotics Anonymous meetings throughout America and met incredible entrepreneurs. In the U.S. they don’t have the same level of government support we do in Australia. Here, I’d been looked after a lot of my life — I was a leech, I’d suck every last cent out of the system. These days I’m a giver, but for a long time, that’s all I did.
Over there, people had to hustle. They’d be making money doing this and that. I met people with amazing ideas.
That’s when I came up with the idea to return home and turn my video time capsule idea into a platform — which we then named Encapsulator.
Today, we provide video journal programs — over 25 expert-designed programs. You can choose a program that fits with your lifestyle and what you’re working on. You’re prompted by a series of activities and questions that help guide you on your personal journey of development and mental health — talking about things you may never have spoken about before, identifying your hopes, dreams, fears, future aspirations.
Then you can reflect and watch your videos back in the future.
The incredible part about Encapsulator is that we provide a safe place for people to express themselves. And when we verbalise our goals, our fears, our struggles out loud, it breaks down some of the barriers and increases our chances of seeking professional help when we need it.
If you’re talking to a therapist or professional, there’s always some kind of mask. I know I wear one. But once you’ve said something out loud, even just to yourself on video, you’ve taken away some of its power.
That’s Encapsulator.
We’re working with a bunch of organisations. We’ve recently done a big collaboration with a First Nations organisation, and hopefully we’ll be going into community up in the Northern Territory. Lots of cool stuff happening.
My life today is: I’m the founder of Encapsulator. I’m an entrepreneur. I’m an inventor. It’s free to join, and there are a whole range of free programs. Our idea is not to just make money — of course my dream is to turn this into a sustainable career — but right now, our focus is on getting feedback and getting people using the platform.
Because I want it to be something that people genuinely need.
And honestly — who doesn’t need a safe place to talk about their feelings?
Karen:
This is what I love about you, Danny.
You look at your past — that moment where you were standing at Town Hall, deciding whether to go use or to go back to rehab — and that one decision took you onto this completely different path.
And that path has led you overseas, given you a huge life, and now you’re doing this wonderful, amazing thing. I think I’m going to have to come and get a bit of mentoring from you, actually.
Danny:
Sure! I also run online groups four or five days a week, Karen, every morning — which is why we jumped on a bit later today.
I run online life skills development groups, helping people break isolation at home, come together in community, and plug into the higher forces of gratitude.
I run about 30 different topics: affirmations, connection, solution-focused thinking, budgeting, anxiety… the list goes on.
That’s the other part of my work. That’s what’s kind of keeping my head above water financially at the moment — not Encapsulator yet, but don’t worry:
Encapsulator is going to be among the top five mental health apps in the world by 2027.
On my wall behind me, I’ve got my visualisation — “Dream Big” — and it says 2027. Behind that is Manhattan. That’s me looking out over my office in Manhattan by 2027.
So I encourage everybody: dream big.
Karen:
I’m going to come and visit you in Manhattan.
Danny:
You can! You can come.
Karen:
Your team is an interesting team with diverse skills. Talk about the importance of your team.
Danny:
Yeah, Karen, I think you bring up a great point.
I honestly believe it’s important to have women in the mix, especially when supporting female clients. We work with clients all over Sydney. Through my online mentoring and face-to-face mentoring — I can’t do it all by myself.
One thing I’ve learned — the hard way — is that you have to start on your own with a startup, especially a tech startup. But I also know my limits. Whenever I can get someone else to help, I do.
I’m not afraid to ask for help. And I think people would be incredibly surprised by what can happen when you reach out.
Because of that, we’ve now put together an incredible team: an amazing web developer, a program manager, myself, and a whole bunch of people in the background. My social media chick, Katie — she’s a machine.
I’m absolutely blessed to be surrounded by good people.
Karen:
You’re wonderful at making video content. How have you learned this?
Danny:
A lot of practice.
I’ve done a lot of courses. I go to a lot of LinkedIn networking events.
Here’s the thing: you can try paying for knowledge, but at some point you have to do the work yourself. You can’t pay someone else to care about your dream as much as you do — they just won’t.
So I had to do it all, Karen. I’ve tried every shortcut known to man, trust me. But at the end of the day, I know I’m the one who’s most passionate about my mission, my vision, my dream.
I’ve worked hard: consuming content day after day, practising, failing many times. I actually love failing, because every failure is one step closer to success.
With content and videos, you really can’t go too wrong.
Don’t delete stuff. Just leave it out there — you never know what’s going to pop off. You’ve got to try everything before you really learn what people want.
Karen:
What makes Encapsulator different in helping addicts from other programs?
Danny:
Encapsulator is super unique.
Yes, people talk about recording messages to your future self. But what we’re doing is literally capturing a precious moment in time that would never have existed without our platform.
We use on-screen prompt questions that guide people through their own journey of personal development, wellness, and recovery. Our interactive video journaling programs provide a safe place for people to grow, learn more about themselves, and in turn seek help when they need it.
There’s nothing else out there using video like this — not in this way. That’s what I want people to realise: this is very, very different to other programs.
Karen:
If you’re interested in getting more involved in our community, connecting with people who share your interest in stories and lived experience, you can visit our website at www.storyroomglobal.com.
Danny, many people who have been in jail are terrified of going back. But these days, you go into jails often. Why?
Danny:
I don’t know — they just want me to talk everywhere! It’s crazy. I’ve been so blessed.
I’ve probably been back into jails more in recovery than I was when I was using. I’ve gone into Long Bay, where I used to run agency days, and into Canberra Prison. I’ve spoken at police events — even on the Northern Beaches, with ex-police officers.
The reason is pretty simple: I’ve got lived experience and I’m not afraid to tell the truth. I can come in and hopefully motivate and inspire others to make changes that might turn their lives around.
And I love it. There’s nothing I love more than getting up on stage in front of 100 people, being scared — and just letting it go.
I cry. I think you saw me cry at one of your events. That’s tears of gratitude. I’m so connected to my story and to the people in the room.
Karen:
I cry with you at the events! I’m a sensitive one too.
For young people who are out there experimenting with drugs, as you did at 14 — what advice do you have?
Danny:
One young bloke said to me once, “I wouldn’t listen to you. I certainly wouldn’t listen to Mum or Dad.”
And that’s honest. So I guess all I can say is this:
Drugs are just a way to change the way you feel. And while parts of my story might sound like fun, there was a lot of darkness — a lot of sad, painful days.
I’ve been incredibly lucky. I don’t have serious ongoing mental health issues; a lot of people I work with end up going down some very dark paths. That’s definitely what’s on offer if you keep moving in that direction.
At the end of the day, you’re going to do what you’re going to do. I know I couldn’t be told. But I can tell you this:
I am like a one-percenter.
I am so lucky to be here today.
I know around 100 people dead from the same disease I’ve got, because of the same decisions I made. I just happen to still be here.
So what I’d say is: reach out to me.
I promise you: every single person who messages me gets an audio message back from me. I’ll respond to whatever you say, and I’ll show you my love. I’ll show you I’m listening. Sometimes that’s all people need.
Karen:
For parents and family who have loved ones struggling with addiction, have you got any practical tips?
Danny:
Bless the loved ones of those affected by addiction.
I honestly think the families are the true victims. Even at my lowest — homeless, living under the bridge in Wollongong, hanging out, hungry, angry, lonely, tired — I always had hope I’d get stoned that day. And I usually did.
But what about my mum? My sister? My brother? My aunty and uncle?
They were the ones at home thinking:
“Is he dead? Is he in the gutter? Is he arrested? Is he being bashed?”
I cannot possibly imagine what they went through.
So here’s what I’d say:
Put yourself first. I know that sounds harsh, but if you can’t look after yourself, how can you be there for them?
Stop enabling them if you can. Maybe you’re letting them stay at home. Maybe you’re giving them money. That might be what’s helping them continue to use.
Set boundaries. Pointing fingers and blaming doesn’t work. I would have just told you where to go. Try to listen instead.
Arm yourself with resources. Your loved one is not interested in looking for help. So find out where the homeless shelters are, the Narcotics Anonymous meetings, the detoxes, the rehabs. Have that information ready for when they’re willing to listen.
And finally, be gentle. The blaming game just doesn’t work.
Karen:
Before we go, what are some of the personal triumphs that have reinforced your commitment to a life of recovery and empowerment?
Danny:
Karen, I have achieved so much. I am the luckiest man on earth — truly.
You might feel lucky too, and I’m happy for you if you do, but I am so incredibly blessed to be on this journey of recovery.
Some of the highlights:
I’ve travelled the world.
I’m the first person in my family to buy a house. I saved for six years and bought a tiny place up in Caboolture.
I’m the founder of Encapsulator.
I work for myself. I’ve built a career.
I have a beautiful six-year-old daughter, coming home tonight.
I’ve got a gorgeous relationship with my son.
And that’s just 30 seconds worth. It goes on and on.
If I’d written a list of things I hoped for at five years clean when I first started recovery… I would have ripped myself off. I had no idea what life could be.
So if that’s you, listening — hold on tight.
The best is yet to come.
And do not leave before the miracle happens.
Karen:
I love that — “the best is yet to come” and “don’t leave before the miracle happens.”
Danny, before we go, can you remind us of your mission?
Danny:
I’m just a bloke in recovery doing my very best to share messages of love and hope with anyone out there struggling.
If that’s you, I just want to say: hold on. Do not ever give up.
To the loved ones: don’t give up on them either. Put yourself first, be careful — but hold on and keep giving them hope.
With Encapsulator, we’re empowering individuals to become their best selves through our innovative video journaling platform.
Check us out on iOS and Android — free to download. Use some of our free programs. And if you subscribe, it’s only about $10 a month — if you’d like to support the founder.
And keep an eye out — because Encapsulator is coming for those top five mental health app spots.
Karen:
Danny, thank you so much.
You know what? I’m a better person for knowing you and for having you in my world.
I’ll put information and links for Danny and Encapsulator in the show description. And I know you’ll share this podcast around.
I take my hat off to you. You are a man on a mission, and you’re giving a beautiful gift to those who need it — and to the community.
I hope to know you for a long, long time.
Danny:
Karen, thank you so much for getting me involved in the storytelling. I’ve learned stuff through you too, and through The Story Room.
I even went and worked with Christine as a storytelling coach, so big shout-out to Christine — she’s incredible.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me be part of this.
Karen:
Any time — you know you’re always welcome back. Maybe we’ll do another podcast when Encapsulator has evolved even more and we can come back and dive deeper into it.
I wish you all the best, and I know you’re off to another meeting now — so cheerio, Danny Shannon.
Danny:
Thanks, Karen. Thank you. Bye, everyone.
Karen (closing):
As we conclude this powerful two-part story on Danny Shannon’s journey from battling addiction to triumph, I want to thank him for being so open and frank about his personal life.
Danny, I am genuinely proud of the remarkable person you’ve become.
If Danny’s story resonated with you in any way, please share your thoughts on our Facebook page. To learn more about Danny and Encapsulator, you’ll find links in the podcast description.
And remember, every story has the power to change lives.
So until next time — take care and keep smiling.
Thank you for tuning in to Sharing Stories, Changing Lives.
We’d like to invite you to support us by purchasing a Backstage Pass, costing about the same as two cups of coffee each month. With the Backstage Pass, you’ll gain access to workshops and exclusive content, including videos from our live events.
You can do this by visiting our website at www.storyroomglobal.com, so together we can continue to show that sharing stories changes lives.
Access Exclusive Extended Videos
Join the Backstage Pass for the extended video interviews where our podcast guests share even more raw, personal, and uncut background details you won't hear on the podcast.